Abstract: A dual coffee maker (10) has a base (12), to support two containers (20, 22) side-by-side. A coffee filter section (24) accommodates one of either: the dual basket filter element (26) or a pair of filter baskets (28, 30). The dual basket filter element (26) has two basket sections (32, 34) joined by a bridge (36) for easy handling. Each section (32, 34) can be filled with a distinct beverage substance such as regular or decaffeinated coffee, tea, etc.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus includes an intermittent brewing feature whereby a controller regulates flow into a brew basket based upon a user selected pre-stored flow profile comprising a sequence of flow pulses. A user selects from among a plurality of stored intermittent flow profiles according to the specific brewing operation, where each profile is designed for different brewing conditions. The flow profiles can be incorporated into a larger set of pre-stored or programmed instructions that also regulate temperature, volume, warming operations, and the like.

Abstract: A device for preparing a fluid food at a desired consumption temperature on demand, comprising two reservoirs of water, a container containing a formula, a data processor and a controller for dispensing water of the correct temperature from each of the reservoirs and the formula from the container into a vessel. Also provided are methods for preparing specialized foods at desired consumption temperatures on demand, and methods for marketing both foods and food-preparation devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the dough-saving production of a dough strand (28) from a dough mass (6) found in a container (5), for which the container (5) has an outlet (27) at the bottom. The container (5) is made to rotate about its axis (7). The outlet (27) is edged by the container (5) and by a cutting disk (13) forming at least a part of the base of the container (5). The cutting disk (13) is also made to rotate in the same direction as the container (5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic stirring system that is selectively mounted to a cooking vessel. The cooking vessel includes a handle, an opening for receiving food items, and a lid. The automatic stirring system includes a housing mounted to the handle, a ring gear rotatably mounted to the cooking vessel, a drive assembly for rotating the ring gear, and at least one stirring vane attached to the ring gear. In various other embodiments, the automatic stirring system includes at least one forward swept stirring vane, at least one aperture in the stirring vane, a variable speed control unit, and a component orientation that provides substantially unimpeded access to the opening of the cooking vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for cooking foods, includes a support frame (3), a container (2) for food to be cooked, provided with a door (6) for introduction and withdrawal of the foods, and heating fluid supply elements, characterised in that the container is rotatably mounted on a fixed axis (4) of the frame (3); and in that it includes a motor rotating the container (2), foods contained within the container (2) being cooked by the heating fluid during rotation of the container (2).

Abstract: The present invention is a cooking griddle having a plurality of cooking surface areas on the surface of the griddle, each surface area capable of functioning as a separate skillet. Although the cooking surface areas function as separate skillets, there is no physical barrier that would impede the movement of food items from one cooking surface area to another cooking surface area. This unique structural design allows the user great flexibility and versatility in simultaneously preparing a variety of food types without having to use multiple skillets.

Abstract: A device for making omelets has a conveyor (3, 4) for transferring plates (7) linearly through the device from a position for supplying each plate with omelet batter to a position for removal of a finished omelet from the device. The device has at least two separately controllable induction heaters (13) positioned under the conveyor (3, 4) in two treatment stations, the plates (7) being of magnetic material, and at least one infrared heater (11) positioned above the conveyor.

Abstract: An oil pan, particularly for an internal combustion engine, having a protective contour member with a protective shell that is spaced apart from the outer wall of the oil pan. The protective shell at least partially encloses the outer wall of the oil pan and is held in a fixed position relative to the outer wall. The oil pan and the protective contour member are preferably made of a synthetic resin material. The protective contour member protects the oil pan against damage caused, for example, due to the impact of stones or if the oil pan comes into contact with an underlying uneven or sloped surface.

Abstract: A seal for burners for the combustion of fossil fuels with an oxidant gas that contains a high fraction of gaseous oxygen. The burner includes a burner body with a cylindrical opening within which a cylindrical nozzle is removably positioned. The nozzle includes axial channels for the supply of fuel and oxidant gas. One, two or more parallel annular grooves are provided in the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical nozzle. Each groove is arranged to support a sealing ring that is split or discontinuous at one location along its periphery. Each ring is arranged to lie in contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical opening when the nozzle is mounted in the burner body, with the discontinuities of the rings circumferentially offset relative to each other.

Abstract: A continuous method and system for processing and preparing a wet cured, ham in a continuous manner. Green hams are tumbled to at least partially loosen the fat and skin, which are trimmed into separate containers. A thin layer of fat remains on the hams. The trimmed fat and skin has not been exposed to a pickle solution and can be used or packaged for various purposes. A curing or pickle solution is injected into trimmed hams. The injected hams are held on a conveyor for a sufficient time to allow the rate at which curing solution drains from the injected hams to stabilize. During this time, pickle solution that drains from the hams is recovered and processed for subsequent use. The hams can be packaged in a net or bag and heated in a consistent manner since each ham has consistent quantities of curing solution.

Abstract: A twine box is provided for an agricultural baler. The twine box permits ready access to twine balls housed therein because all twine balls are located on a single row or tier. The twine balls are not compartmentalized and thus relocation of twine balls within twine ball groups is facilitated. Twine ball separators are employed to secure, locate and separate twine balls when the baler is operating. The twine ball separators may serve to maintain twine balls in a staggered configuration whereby it is possible to house a greater number of twine balls in a given space. The twine ball separators do not interfere with the movement of twine balls within the twine box during reloading of twine. The single row twine box allows the baler operator to access the twine balls from the ground and permits moving of twine balls without the need to cut and retie twine.

Abstract: A controlled bale ejection mechanism for an agricultural baler is provided. The mechanism includes a bale support which is positioned below the bale when it is ejected, that catches and supports the bale. The bale support is then translated rearward by a hydraulic cylinder and guided by support rails. As the bale support and bale approach the desired location, the bale support is lowered by tilting the rail assembly downward. An articulating shoe is used to support and lower the rails. The bale support tilts as it is lowered, thereby creating a dumping action. If additional tilting is required due to geometry limitations, additional bale support tilt can be created by a weight shift of the bale support, changing the trajectory of the rail or torque induced by the bale support cylinder. The bale is set down on the ground and the ramp assembly resets to prevent the bale from rolling forward and preparing for the next cycle.

Abstract: A rotary machine including a substantially vertical rotatable drum having pellet-receiving receptacles in its peripheral sidewall. Gravity causes pellets to collect toward the drum's bottom. As the drum rotates, pellets received in the receptacles are carried upwardly from the bottom. A printing device positioned within the peripheral sidewall prints indicia on the inwardly exposed surfaces of the pellets. Optionally, the receptacles define apertures extending through the peripheral sidewall, and a printing device is positioned externally to the peripheral sidewall to print indicia on the outwardly exposed surfaces of the pellets. Drilling or inspection devices may be provided in addition to, or instead of, the printing devices. A support member may be provided adjacent the peripheral sidewall to prevent gravity from causing the pellets to exit the receptacles. Chutes may be provided to supply and remove pellets to and from the drum. An air stream may eject pellets from their receptacles.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for paperboards includes two movable frame plates, a printing device mounted between the movable frame plates, two side frames each having an opening in an upper portion thereof to allow hoisting of the movable frame plates, and at least one positioning device mounted on each side frame. The at least one positioning device includes a pneumatic cylinder and a push mechanism actuatable by the pneumatic cylinder to a position pressing against each movable frame plate to thereby position the printing device.

Abstract: A printing group of a printing press has two forme cylinders, and two transfer cylinders which are assigned to the two forme cylinders and which, in a print-on position, cooperate to form a printing position. The forme cylinders and the transfer cylinders each have at least one groove or slit on their shell face which groove or slit is adapted to secure ends of a blanket or a dressing. The forme cylinders have circumferences which correspond to a section length of a printed page. Rotating shafts of the forme and transfer cylinders, when in the print-on position, are located in a common plane. The circumferential width of each of the grooves or slits, in the shell faces of the cylinder does not exceed 3 mm.

Abstract: The method involves providing ink in a container having deformable walls; placing the container in a dosing system comprising a deposit into which a dosage of ink is poured; providing ink in a container with deformable walls that is fitted with means for opening the container, supporting the filled or partially filled container in the dosing system; opening the container with the aid of the opening means thereby defining a hole and exerting pressure against the walls of said container and against said hole with the aid of pressing or flattening means. Due to the deforming properties of the walls of the container and as a result of the flattening of the walls, the combined pressing action pushes the ink contained in the container against the hole through which a dosage of ink is poured out.

Abstract: A method of supplying a given amount of ink to ink rollers in a printing press in advance before starting a current printing operation to be subsequently made after a last printing operation, includes adjusting the amount of ink to be supplied to the ink rollers in advance before starting the current printing operation, according to the time elapsed between the end of the last printing operation and the start of the current printing operation.

Abstract: The present invention covers apparel items and softgoods having a lenticular image piece and methods for attaching the piece to such items. A lenticular piece is attached to cloth material by a process of RF welding. The piece is produced from a polymer that is rigid yet able to be RF welded. The piece is then welded to the item by a RF welding die having at least one raised welding edge. Another embodiment includes placing flexible polymer films between the item and the piece and on top of the piece. In one embodiment, the welding die includes an inner welding edge and an outer welding edge and the piece is die-cut so that the diameter of the piece is greater than that of the inner edge but less than that of the outer edge.

Abstract: A doctor blade device (01) for cleaning a surface has a doctor blade (03) and a tub (09) for receiving the material stripped from the surface by the doctor blade. The doctor blade is movable between a position in which it projects out of an opening (13) of the tub and a position in which it is submerged in the tub. A closure element (07) closes the opening in the submerged position of the doctor blade.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for fabricating a panel product including a board, panel or substrate having at least one surface on which a decorative image and alignment marks corresponding to an image data file are applied. The alignment marks and the image data file are then used to align an intermediate product with one or more cutting devices. Once aligned, the original image data file or a transformed version of the image data file is used to control cutters or other tools for removing waste portions of the panel product. The panel product may then be subjected to additional processing, particularly with regard to edge treatments, to obtain a final panel product.

Abstract: A device for metered administration of a liquid product, including a housing, a reservoir for the product, the reservoir being received or formed by the housing, a drive member which executes a drive movement and has at least one engagement flank, an output member which executes an axial output movement to deliver product from the reservoir and has at least one engagement flank which is in a flank engagement with the engagement flank of the drive member such that the drive movement of the drive member produces the output movement of the output member, and a device for reducing play which, in an adjustment engagement with the drive member and the output member, is displaced relative to the drive member and the output member into an adjustment position and is secured in the adjustment position such that an axial play of the flank engagement is reduced.

Abstract: Acceptance/rejection of a deposition condition is judged by detecting an exothermic quantity of a deposition portion 3 by using an infrared beam sensor 2 during laser deposition of a resin material 4 having transmissibility to a laser beam and a resin material 5 having absorptivity to the laser beam L. The exothermic condition of the deposition portion is detected by using an infrared beam sensor matching with a wavelength of an infrared beam having a high transmission factor from infrared beam transmission characteristics of the transmissible resin to judge whether or not suitable energy is applied to the deposition portion and whether or not the deposition portion is formed. The exothermic quantity of the transmissible resin is detected by an infrared beam sensor 2A to judge acceptance or rejection of the deposition portion even when the applied energy changes.

Abstract: A firearm shell has a hull with a hull chamber and a rear end containing a primer. A hull side wall extends forward from the rear end to a front end. A powder charge is contained within the hull at the rear end. A sabot is positioned forward of the powder charge, and has a base and forwardly extending side portions defining a cup. A projectile has a forward end and a rear end received in the cup. A cushion is provided in the hull, rearward of the bullet. The cushion may be an elastomer such as silicone, and may be positioned immediately behind the bullet, forward of the base of the sabot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an igniter mechanism for a toy hand grenade which comprises a pull string ignition assembly, a housing that encases the pull string ignition assembly and a stopper that is located in the housing. The igniter mechanism may meet the requirements of safety, reliability and low production cost.

Abstract: A firearm ammunition device includes a cartridge with a projectile that is loaded with a tracer agent. When the projectile is fired and strikes a game animal, the impact causes the release and dispersal of the tracer agent from the projectile. The dispersed tracer agent identifies an enhanced-visibility trail of the fleeing animal. In example embodiments, the cartridge is provided by a centerfire cartridge, a shotgun cartridge, and a muzzleloading cartridge. The tracer agent preferably comprises one or more compounds that produce visible light to the naked eye and/or under a black light source. Example tracer agents include biological stains that produce visible light upon contact with blood, luminol or another chemiluminescent compound that releases light by a chemical reaction such as may occur when contacting blood, a basic salt such as sodium carbonate or another effervescence-inducing agent, a phosphorescent compound, or a fluorescent compound.

Abstract: A firearm cartridge with a bullet including a body and a nose element. The body has a forward end, and an opposed rear end, with an intermediate cylindrical portion between the ends. The front end of the body defines a cavity that may have a cylindrical shape. The nose element is formed of a resilient material such as an elastomer, and has a first portion received in the cavity, and a pointed second portion extending from the forward end of the body. The bullet may be received in a centerfire rifle casing, for safe use in a tubular magazine rifle, so that the resilient tip protects against discharge of an adjacent cartridge primer by absorbing energy of recoil or other impulse. The second portion of the tip has a small meplat, and is smoothly contoured with the exterior surface of the front of the bullet, to provide an increased ballistic coefficient.

Abstract: A projectile for a large caliber gun including a fall-back preventer ring disposed within a fall-back preventer recess defined by the projectile. The fall-back preventer ring engaging the barrel of the large caliber gun during a loading cycle and releasing from the barrel when the projectile is fired. The fall-back preventer ring is a multifaceted split ring device sized for both axial and radial movement within the fall back preventer recess. The present invention thus maintains the projectile safely within the barrel during loading and in the presence of other external forces.

Abstract: An inflatable system includes an inflatable component and an distributed charge inflator disposed in the inflatable component. The distributed charge inflator includes a first charge for generating inflating gas and a housing body connected to the first charge. The housing body includes an initiator and a second charge that has relatively long burn time. Upon receiving a signal from a sensor, the initiator ignites the first charge and the second charge simultaneously. The first charge inflates the inflatable component and the second charge sustains the inflation of the inflatable component.

Abstract: A steering apparatus and method is implemented that allows high speed, clean, particle-free transport of a semiconductor wafer or lithographic reticle on a transport vehicle at various positions on the vehicle track, especially when entering and exiting turns. Three computer-controlled electro-magnets are mounted at the left, center, and right side of a front steering truck, and are energized to attract strategically placed permanent magnet material mounted on a side of the track where the vehicle enters or exits a turn. The transport vehicle can be levitated by an air cushion or travel on wheels, and controlled by electromotive or electromagnetic forces about the track. Using the steering electro-magnets as a LVDT, a computer processor monitors the location of the transport vehicle about the track.

Abstract: A transportation system including two spaced parallel guide ways on which tracks are mounted for receiving vehicles. At least one beam extends between the guide ways for absorbing torsional forces caused by the composite centers of gravity of the vehicles being offset from the tracks.

Abstract: “RABBIT RAIL” is a light rail system that uses standard commuter busses which are fitted with railroad wheels that can be lowered, so the bus can run on railroad tracks or raised to run on roads. Present light rail systems require commuters to drive to a rural rail station where they board a railcar. They are then taken into the city station where they must now find other transportation to get to work. “RABBIT RAIL” travels on rural roads to where the commuter lives. The bus then drives to the nearest rail-on/off siding, where it lowers the rail wheels. It then drives on the rails into the city with no stops. In the city, the bus pulls onto another rail-on/off siding and raises the rail wheels. The bus then drives onto the city streets to take the commuters to where they work all on the same “RABBIT RAIL” bus. This is called door to door service and that is what commuters want.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of ternary nickel-containing metal alloys of the NiMR type (where M=Mo, W, Re or Cr, and R=B or P) deposited by an electroless process in semiconductor technology. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of these deposited ternary nickel-containing metal alloys as barrier material or as selective encapsulation material for preventing the diffusion and electromigration of copper in semiconductor components.

Abstract: The surface treatment method for carbon steel screws embedded within anticorrosive wood, the associated surface structure and baking finishing formula are characterized by forming a uniform and fine anticorrosive layer of a baking finishing formula whereby the anticorrosive ability of the surface of a carbon steel screw can be enhanced. The associated baking finishing formula comprise metallic zinc, metallic nickel, metallic aluminum, polyethylene glycol, a silane, fluoride-containing surfactants, corrosion inhibitors and a mixed-type additive.

Abstract: A non-aqueous ink with an extended cap-off time for writing, drawing, painting or marking, or a writing or marking fluid respectively, having organic solvents, binding agents, drying retarders, colorants and if necessary further additives. The ink contains a fatty acid or a fatty acid blend as a drying retarder.

Abstract: A pigment agglomerate and method of making the pigment agglomerate. The agglomerate is a collection of pigment particles and at least one carrier particle, the pigment particles and carrier particle held together by interparticle forces such as magnetic forces, electrostatic forces, van der Waal's forces, and other physical or chemical interparticle forces. A chemical surface treatment or other treatment may be applied to either or both of carrier particles and pigment particles in order to improve the interparticle forces therebetween. No binder, such as a polymeric binder or adhesive, is used to adhere or maintain the particles together forming the agglomerates.

Abstract: A gypsum slurry includes water, a hydraulic component including stucco and a polycarboxylate dispersant. The dispersant has two repeating units wherein the first repeating unit is an olefinic unsaturated mono-carboxylic acid repeating unit or an ester or salt, and the second repeating unit is a vinyl or allyl group bound to a polyether by an ether linkage. The slurry can be made into a gypsum panel.

Abstract: Effective use of dispersants in wallboard containing foam results from a method where stucco is mixed with a first dispersant and a first quantity of water to form a gypsum slurry. A soap is blended with a second dispersant and a second quantity of water to make a foam. Subsequently, the foam is combined with the slurry. Choice of different first and second dispersants and their relative amounts allows control of the size distribution of the foam bubbles in the slurry and the resulting voids in the gypsum core. Use of the same dispersant in both the mixer and the foam water provides a boost in efficacy of the dispersant.

Abstract: Effective use of dispersants in wallboard containing foam results from a method where stucco is mixed with a first dispersant and a first quantity of water to form a gypsum slurry. A soap is blended with a second dispersant and a second quantity of water to make a foam. Subsequently, the foam is combined with the slurry. Choice of different first and second dispersants and their relative amounts allows control of the size distribution of the foam bubbles in the slurry and the resulting voids in the gypsum core. Use of the same dispersant in both the mixer and the foam water provides a boost in efficacy of the dispersant.

Abstract: A gypsum slurry includes water, a hydraulic component including stucco and a polycarboxylate dispersant. The dispersant has two repeating units wherein the first repeating unit is an olefinic unsaturated mono-carboxylic acid repeating unit or an ester or salt, and the second repeating unit is a vinyl or allyl group bound to a polyether by an ether linkage. The slurry can be made into a gypsum panel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hydratable cementitious material, which includes: a) providing at least one waste material containing calcium, silica, magnesium, aluminium, and/or iron; b) thermally treating each waste material to a first temperature such that surface water vapour present is substantially removed; and c) blending the treated waste material such that the resultant blend has a reactive oxide chemical/physical composition in the following range, by weight of the blend: Calcium Oxide 7.0 to 76% Alumina 0.1 to 30% Iron Oxide 0.4 to 19% Silica Oxide 1 to 36% Magnesia 0.1 to 2%. The resultant blend from step c) may subsequently be mixed with Portland cement.

Abstract: The invention generally provides gypsum-containing slurries including stucco, trimetaphosphate salt, and naphthalenesulfonate dispersant, wherein the trimetaphosphate salt is present in an amount of at least about 0.12% by weight based on the weight of stucco. Other slurry additives can include accelerators, binders, starch, and paper fiber, glass fiber, and other known ingredients. The invention also comprises the gypsum-containing products made with such slurries, for example, gypsum wallboard, and a method of making gypsum wallboard.

Abstract: The invention generally provides gypsum-containing slurries including stucco, naphthalenesulfonate dispersant, and pregelatinized starch. The naphthalenesulfonate dispersant is present in an amount of about 0.1%-3.0% by weight based on the weight of dry stucco. The pregelatinized starch is present in an amount of at least about 0.5% by weight up to about 10% by weight of pregelatinized starch by weight based on the weight of dry stucco in the formulation. Other slurry additives can include trimetaphosphate salts, accelerators, binders, paper fiber, glass fiber, and other known ingredients. The invention also comprises the gypsum-containing products made with such slurries, for example, gypsum wallboard, and a method of making gypsum wallboard.

Abstract: An improved gypsum slurry that includes water, calcium sulfate hemihydrate, a polycarboxylate dispersant and a modifier. The modifier is chemically configured to improve the efficacy of the polycarboxylate dispersant. Preferred modifiers include cement, lime, slaked lime, soda ash, carbonates, silicates and phosphates.

Abstract: In a method of making a gypsum slurry, a polycarboxylate dispersant, a modifier and a hydraulic material comprising stucco are selected for use in the slurry. These components are then combined with water to form a slurry, where the modifier is added to the slurry prior to formation of a slurry phase by the water, the stucco and the dispersant. The modifier has been shown to be less effective when added after the dispersant and stucco have been contacted in an aqueous slurry. In a preferred embodiment, an amount of stucco is obtained and the modifier and dispersant are selected. A predissolved solution of a dispersant and modifier is prepared in water to form a solution prior to the addition of the stucco. After mixing the solution, the stucco is added to form the slurry. Optionally, the slurry is then shaped into a product and allowed to set.

Abstract: An apparatus for use by children for playing with at least one of clay, play dough, sand and water. The apparatus comprises a table having each of a predetermined shape, a top and at least three legs. Such top has a raised edge disposed around a perimeter of top, such raised edge having each of a predetermined thickness and a predetermined depth. There is a recessed portion in the top disposed substantially in a center portion of the top and an aperture formed through a bottom wall of such recessed portion of such table. A container member is engageable within the recessed portion for containing such one of such clay and such play dough.

Abstract: A loading pallet does not require a special forklift or a large space, thereby enabling to reduce the commodity distribution cost. The loading pallet is formed of a top plate for loading the product thereon, a bottom plate for supporting the top plate thereon, and a connection unit for connecting the top plate and bottom plate in an attachable/detachable manner. The top plate, bottom plate, and connection unit are preferably made of either steel, corrugated boards, or plastic. The connection unit can extend when inserting a fork of a forklift, without requiring a special forklift, and since the connection unit shrinks when the fork is withdrawn, the loading pallet needs only a small space for storage.

Abstract: A pallet comprises a supporting plate having at least one plate unit; and at least one supporting unit which are detachable installed to at least one plate unit. Each plate unit is formed with at least one buckling hole; and each supporting unit has at least one buckling post which can be engaged to the buckling hole. The buckling hole is a stepped hole; and the buckling post has a buckle which is buckleable to the stepped hole. Moreover, each plate unit is formed with at least one buckling post; and each supporting unit has at least one buckling hole which can be engaged to the buckling post. The buckling hole is a stepped hole; and the buckling post has a buckle which is buckleable to the stepped hole. A lateral surface of each buckling post is formed with a plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: A piece of furniture, for example, a table, having a frame, supported on legs and carrying a table top, embodied with two parallel separate longitudinal profiles and at least two connected transverse struts and which has hollow recesses, accessible from an underside thereof, for the upper end sections of the legs. A simple and stable leg fixing is thus achieved, whereby coil-section shaped contact elements are arranged on circumferential inner surfaces in the recesses, and contact elements, cooperating with the above for a play-free fixing of the legs, are arranged on the external surface of the end sections, or conversely the spiral section shaped contact elements are embodied on the end sections and the contact elements are embodied in the recesses.

Abstract: The foldable device is used as a chair or a desk. The device has an upper plate and a lower plate. A supporting cloth is overlapped between the upper plate and the lower plate; the supporting cloth being flexible. The structure is divided into three parts, while the supporting cloth is not cut so that the whole structure is connected by the cloth. The foldable chair and desk combined device can be folded by folding from the cutting portions of the three parts. Furthermore, connecting sheets are formed on two supporting surfaces of the three parts, by connecting the connecting sheets, the foldable chair and desk combined device can be retained rigidly for bearing a heavy object.